This book provides a cross-sectoral, multi-scale assessment of different environmental problems via in-depth studies of the Indian subcontinent. Data collected from different ecosystems forms a strong foundation to explore the topics discussed in this book. The book investigates how mankind is presently under the appalling shadow of pollution, climate change, overpopulation and poverty. The continuing problem of pollution, loss of forests, disposal of solid waste, deterioration of environment, global warming and loss of biodiversity have made nations aware of environmental issues. Many countries are desperately trying to move away from this adverse situation through technological development and policy level approaches. Through a number of case studies the authors provide details of ground level observations of the most environmentally stressed regions in the Indian subcontinent and beyond.

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENT

Definition and Overview of Environment

Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

Conservation of Natural Resources

Take Home Messages

Brain Churners

Annexure 1A: Food Products from Mangrove Associate Species: An Avenue for Alternative Livelihood and Conservation

 

CHAPTER 2: CHAPTER 2: COMPONENTS OF THE EARTH

Layers of the Earth

Constructive Natural Processes

Destructive Natural Processes

Take Home Messages

Brain Churners

Annexure 2A: Common Types of Corals

Annexure 2B: Changing Hydrological Face of Indian Sundarban Estuary due to Super Cyclone AILA

 

CHAPTER 3: EARTH AND ITS RESOURCES

Land Resources

 Aquatic Resources

Over Exploitation of Resources

Take Home Messages

Brain Churners

Annexure 3A: Rising Nutrient Levels in Two Major Estuaries in the Indian Sundarbans: A Time Series Analysis

 

CHAPTER 4: BASICS OF ECOSYSTEM

Definition and Overview

Types of Ecosystem

Energy Flow in the Ecosystem

Take Home Messages

Brain Churners

Annexure 4A: Damage to Fish Juvenile Community due to Wild Collection of Tiger Prawn Seeds in the Indian Sundarban Estuaries

 

CHAPTER 5: MAJOR BIOCHEMICAL CYCLES

Hydrological Cycle

Major Elemental Cycles

Alteration of Biogeochemical Cycles by Human beings

Take Home Messages

Brain Churners

Annexure 5A: Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on Near Surface Air Temperature of Sagar Island in Indian Sundarbans

 

CHAPTER 6: BIODIVERSITY AND ITS CONSERVATION

Introduction to Biodiversity

Threats to Biodiversity

In-situ, Ex-situ and Policy Level Approaches to Conserve Biodiversity

Take Home Messages

Brain Churners

Annexure 6A: Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Commercially Important Fin Fishes from the Lower Gangetic Delta

Annexure 6B: Common Types of Medicinal Plants with Salient Features and Ecosystem Services

 

CHAPTER 7: AIR POLLUTION AND ITS MITIGATION

Air pollution: An Overview

Effects of Air Pollution

Mitigation of Air Pollution

Take Home Messages

Brain Churners

Annexure 7A: Carbon Storage Potential of Urban Trees

 

 

CHAPTER 8: WATER POLLUTION AND ITS MITIGATION

Water Pollution: An overview

Effects of Water Pollution

Prevention and Control of Water Pollution

Take Home Messages

Brain Churners

Annexure 8A: Water Quality Of The River Ganga in and around the City of Kolkata during and after Goddess Durga Immersion

Annexure 8B: Bioaccumulation Potential of a Mangrove Associate Species, Porteresia coarctata

 

CHAPTER 9: SOIL POLLUTION AND ITS MITIGATION

Causes of Soil pollution

Effects of Soil Pollution

Minimizing Soil Pollution through Bioremediation

Take Home Messages

Brain Churners

 

CHAPTER 10: OIL POLLUTION

Oil Pollution: An Overview

Effects of Oil Pollution

Control of Oil Pollution

Take Home Messages

Brain Churners

References

 

CHAPTER 11: HUMAN POPULATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Population Growth Forms

Scenario of Global Population

Concept of Population Control

Take Home Messages

Brain Churners

Annexure 11A: Shrimp Feed Preparation from Seaweed

Annexure 11B: Countries, territories or areas with reported laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths; data as of 19 March 2020

 

CHAPTER 12: CLIMATE CHANGE:  THREAT OF ERA

Causes of Climate Change

Effects of Climate Change

Mitigation of Climate Change

Take Home Messages

Brain Churners

Annexure 12A: Value Addition to Rasgulla (a Traditional Indian Sweet) through Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) Leaf Extract: An Innovative Livelihood Programme